Plasma Physics Graduate Students

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Relocation packages

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division) invites qualified graduate students to join the Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group for a research internship. Participants will collaborate with scientific teams across fusion, space plasmas, numerical analysis, and AI/ML, contributing to cutting-edge projects during a 10–12 week summer and possibly other terms.

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program, maintain at least a 3.2 GPA, and be able to work in

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field
• A minimum 3.2 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate course work
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
• Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects

Skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Adaptability

Education

Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physics/Applied Mathematics/Engineering or related field

Job description

What You Will Do

We are seeking candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division offers a unique and dynamic environment that fosters multidisciplinary collaborations in support of the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts research across a wide range of topics, including fusion science, space plasma science, numerical analysis, computational imaging, optimization, environmental sciences, and the modeling of critical infrastructure such as gas pipelines and electrical grids. These diverse application areas are unified by research in novel algorithms, numerical methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group is seeking qualified graduate students to join our research teams. This opportunity allows selected candidates to contribute to cutting‑edge scientific research while expanding their skill set. The position is open to students who will be actively enrolled in a graduate program throughout the duration of their appointment. Summer positions are also available to graduating undergraduates who have been accepted into graduate programs for Spring 2026. Selected students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in their graduate studies. While most students participate in the program for a 10‑12 week period over the summer, there are opportunities to participate during the spring and fall semesters or year‑round. Successful candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will collaborate closely with one of the scientific teams within T‑5.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Enrollment in a Master's or Doctoral Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field
• A minimum 3.2 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate course work
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
• Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects

Education/Experience

Current enrollment graduate degree in applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or a related field

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to independently learn the usage of scientific software packages and how to perform analytical calculations
• Experience in one or more of the following topical areas:
• Integrated plasma simulation
• Theoretical modeling applied to magnetic fusion
• Inertial confinement fusion
• Astrophysical and space plasmas
• Dense, strongly coupled and quantum plasma
• Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning

Work Environment

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants

• Salaries range from $36.52/hr to $42.36/hr depending on education completed. Full salary information can be found at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/_assets/docs/Student%20Salary%20Structure%202023.pdf

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry‑level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.

Contact [e-mail] or Melanie Vigil ([e-mail]) for more details about this position.